Chief Gallagher Biography

Even by the Navy SEALs standard, Chief Gallagher’s biography is extraordinary.

Fulfilling a lifelong call to serve his country and a sacred family tradition, Eddie Gallagher joined the service soon after high school in 1999 and enlisted in the Navy. He joined the ranks of his father, a West Point graduate and retired Lieutenant Colonel, two naval aviator uncles (one of whom died in the service), and three grandparents who served in World War II. After 19 years in the service and eight combat tours, Eddie is among the most elite of warriors who has served quietly and bravely on the front lines to protect his country in nearly every conflict since 9/11.

After boot camp Eddie attended Corpsman (Medic) school, was attached to a Marine Corps unit, and in 2000 first deployed with his Marine platoon to Kosovo. After September 11th, 2001 Eddie saw clearly his call to defend the country and volunteered for Marine sniper school. Eddie become the first non-Marine to graduate the school, an incredibly tough feat for this insular and elite program. As a Marine Scout Sniper, Eddie was among the first waves to deploy on the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 to Mosul for his second combat deployment.

Never settling, Eddie strived to do more and upon returning home he enrolled in Basic Underwater Demolition Schools (BUDS). He graduated in 2005, becoming a United States Navy SEAL. He was again deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007, and in addition to the combat action and Iraqi and Afghanistan service ribbons, Eddie was awarded Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with V for Valor. During 72 patrols and 12 combined direct-action missions, many under direct enemy fire, Eddie’s “unrelenting perseverance and loyal devotion to duty” resulted in 36 terrorists captured.

As a SEAL Eddie would continue to excel, rising not only in rank but as a true leader. He became lead sniper, lead platoon medic, lead breacher, fire team leader, master training specialist, squad leader and eventually, lead petty officer where he was in charge of entire SEAL platoon deployed to the Middle East. He would be recognized by the Navy for his leadership, given the award of Sailor of the Year and Sailor of the Quarter – titles granted to superior and dedicated professionals within their commands who best represent the Navy.

Among his numerous deployments with the SEALs Chief Gallagher was again recognized for valor in combat, being twice awarded the Bronze Star with V for Valor. In one instance, under enemy fire yet again and from multiple positions, Eddie Gallagher cleared nearly 100 stalls in a bazaar in Afghanistan, secured a rooftop position, and effectively freed a friendly element that was pinned down by enemy fire. His “courageous and decisive actions silenced the enemy fire…and “by his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Gallagher reflected great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Chief Gallagher has undergone a total of eight tours of duty, six as an elite special forces operator serving on the front lines of combat. He is the consummate and professional warfighter, earning medal after medal for leadership and bravery in battle. In total Chief Gallagher has earned the Bronze star with V for Valor twice, Meritorious Unit commendation, Presidential Unit citation two Navy Commendation medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, and four good conduct awards. His last deployment in 2017 to Iraq where he was tasked with leading his platoon to clear ISIS from Mosul, Chief Gallagher was awarded #1 SEAL Chief and #1 SEAL platoon.

Chief Gallagher’s record and reputation as an elite warrior is rivaled only by a few men who have served by his side as special warfare operators and heroes who have gone before him. He does not seek recognition for his work, but his service demands the respect and honor owed to the special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call.

SEAL Team 7
Charlie Platoon– Lead Petty Officer of SEAL platoon, SO1
Crisis Response element
Deployment United Arab Emirates– 2014-2015Navy Commendation medalSEAL Team 7 – Sailor of the quarterSEAL Team 7 – Sailor of the yearNaval Special Warfare Group One- Sailor of the yearNumber one E6 at Command

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This is the second time my two youngest children have seen their father since July of 2018 my older hast only seen him once since that time 😩🇺🇸 • • Visiting my Husband - a decorated war hero in jail after nearly 20 years of faithful service to this country, in JAIL... this is unreal. […]